McLaughlin awarded for fire service

Last month, Richard McLaughlin was awarded the Chief's Award from the Cazenovia Volunteer Fire Department.

"He is a constant voice of reason and has a remarkable record of attendance through the years at fire calls as well as meetings," said Sam Usborne, Cazenovia Fire Department chief.

Usborne presented the award Feb. 6 at the Lincklaen House.

McLaughlin joined the Cazenovia Fire Department in 1973. He served as president of the Owahgena Hose Company in the early 1980s. In 1985 he became second lieutenant, in 1989 captain, and in 1993 assistant chief.

According to Usborne, McLaughlin's loyalty to his regular job and dedication to his family prevented him from serving as chief, but "there is no doubt he would have been extraordinary in that role."

Usborne praised McLaughlin's methods of training younger firefighters, his ability to share the history of the department with others and his standing as a good husband and a proud father.